BILLINGS – Montana saddle makers may work in one of the most tradition-bound industries around, but local craftsmen are as adaptable as anyone to changing markets and tastes.

One such saddle came from a former student who found a Montana made saddle in Alaska. “This saddle," said Dale, "went up to Alaska in the Gold Rush of 1896.” Dale built many of these saddles.

“The Miles City Saddlery did over $1 million in 1918 dollars that year and had 14 to 15 people making saddles and harnesses,” local saddle maker Mike Witt said.